The US Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) may be seeing the next generation of the service’s artillery in action, as it tests a rocket-boosted round designed to deliver more accurate engagements from longer ranges.
The Next-Generation Rocket Assisted Projectile (NGRAP) aims to exceed the 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) range of current artillery, including standard 155mm howitzers.
It is also set to replace the army’s legacy M549A1 rockets, which have been in service for more than five decades already, according to Steve Flores, YPG Long Range Precision Fire Integrator.
Unlike older rounds that rely on multiple components to seal the rocket motor, the NGRAP features an integrated rear structure to improve how it holds up to higher stress.
YPG testers are also exploring ways to keep the system operational under extreme combat conditions.
“We have standard charges we upweight with extra propellant to try to reach the maximum permissible pressure for these cannons to put these bullets through the highest amount of stress that they would see in this caliber tube,” YPG test officer Jonathan Armijo said.
Improving on Legacy Systems
The M549A1 high-explosive, rocket-assisted rounds have long served the army in harassment and interdiction missions.
Made from forged steel, the projectile ignites about seven seconds after launch, extending its flight range.
The NGRAP seeks to build on these capabilities, with a design that also accommodates larger cannons for greater punch.
Further trials are planned at YPG, a key US Army testing hub for next-gen weapon systems.
